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UN Geographic Information Working Group Holds First MeetingThe newly formed United Nations Geographic Information Working Group concluded its first meeting on collaboration in the fields of cartography and geographic information science at their headquarters on March 30, 2000. The interdepartmental, interagency Geographic Information Working Group was initiated by the Cartographic Section of the Library and Information Resources Division of the Department of Public Information. On the basis of a proposal made by the Secretary of the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC), endorsed at the 16th session of the Consultative Committee on Programme and Operational Questions, the Working Group is now part of the Consultative Committee. More than 50 representatives from many specialized agencies and programs attended, along with a group of observers and experts from nongovernmental institutions and industry. The objectives of the three-day meeting were to understand the mapping projects as well as data holdings of each agency and program, to discuss the development of a common United Nations geographic database, and to establish procedures for collaboration in handling geographic information. According to a draft resolution adopted by the Working Group, the need for collaboration to increase awareness, share knowledge, and create and ensure support for all aspects of cartography, geographic information, and spatial data infrastructures throughout the United Nations system was strongly underlined. The Working Group stressed the importance of a common United Nations geographic database as a crucial capacity-building effort to enhance program and operational capabilities and efficiencies. Toward the achievement of these goals, the group received enthusiastic pledges of support from the participating nongovernmental organizations and industry partners. The group elected the Cartographic Section of the Department of Public Information as its chair. The high level of interest in the Geographic Information Working Group, both internally and externally, reflects the importance and timeliness of this initiative and the need for the United Nations to take a leadership role in this area. Participants included experts and observers from the United Nations Department of Public Information; Department of Peacekeeping Operations; Department of Economic and Social Affairs; Department of Political Affairs; Office of Legal Affairs; Office for the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS); and the World Health Organization (WHO). Other participants included the World Bank; Center for International Earth Science Information Network; Global Spatial Data Infrastructure; International Cartographic Association; International Steering Committee of Global Mapping; Multipurpose European Ground Related Information Network; Open GIS Consortium; United States Board on Geographic Names; ERDAS; Esri; Laser-Scan Ltd.; Lockheed Martin; Oracle Corporation; SGI; and Space Imaging. For more information, contact Carmelle J. Cote, Esri-Washington, D.C. (tel.: 703-506-9515, ext. 8013; E-mail: ccote@esri.com). |
